Natural Pantry

Berry Recipes

If summer had a flavor, it would probably be the same taste as biting into a ripe berry. But thanks to frozen fruit available in your supermarket, you can enjoy the health benefits and summer-inspired taste of berries year-round. Whether you're using fresh or frozen fruit, these recipes are sure to please.

The mellowed acidity of aged balsamic vinegar pairs perfectly with the sugary sweetness of strawberries. For a special presentation, garnish with wild strawberries when available.

Paper-thin crepes are improved upon health-wise with blackberries; this fruit is among the most fiber-rich you'll find and is a good source of vitamin C. Buttermilk -- a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream -- provides the base for the filling.

Adding extra lemon juice in step two will give the soup more tartness. Serve it thoroughly chilled, accompanied by tuiles, biscotti, or other crisp cookies. The berries' mild flavor is enhanced by fruity wine; buttermilk adds a tang along with a swirl of elegance.

The pork is encrusted with a spice rub that contains mustard as the dominant flavor but also incorporates pepper, coriander, and cumin. The dish is topped with a blackberry-mustard sauce and served with oven-baked fries.

Breakfast shakes made with blueberries and yogurt are a healthy way to start the day. In this refreshing smoothie, yogurt provides protein as well as calcium and B vitamins. Blueberries rank third as a natural source of antioxidants after prunes and raisins.